Der Wolfskopf

I came here on a Saturday at around 1pm and the place was pretty much empty. I wanted to find a new German place, especially since the smoking at the Red Lion Tavern was getting out of hand, making my 13 year old son want to murder the people at the next table.
Anyhoo, this is a nice substitute but not the same. I ordered their smoked beer bratwurst and a stein of their unfiltered lager and I can’t complain. They have fries and tater tots (harkens me back to school cafeteria food in the 80s) instead of German potato salad and their sauerkraut is cold instead of warm. The bratwurst and sausages are served in a thick roll (like a hot dog) instead of on a plate and they include jalapenos and peppers as garnishes.
Still, the quality of the food was good, but it doesn’t give me the same cravings as I do for Red Lion. I supposed I’m saving the lives of smokers by going here instead of our usual haunt. If you like this place, don’t go to Red Lion because you won’t like Der Wolfskopf as much.

Drove past this restaurant a couple weeks ago and decided to go grab some food there. I love the name of the restaurant and the interior felt very laid back. It wasn’t that loud it was good enough to enjoy food and talk with people. We tried the Oak Beer Bratwurst with jalapeños, beer cheese and sauerkraut! It was delicious!!! We also ordered the Wolf Burger the beef was cooked perfectly and really juicy. For appetizers got the tater tots (wolf style) & the cheese plate they were both amazing. The Grapefruit Radler beer was light and went perfect with our meal! I will definitely be going back soon to try the other types of beers and cocktails.

Came here on a Friday night with some friends– initial impressions are: it’s very very dark, very loud, and full of hipsters. Not the place for a romantic date night, but definitely the place to hangout with some old high school or college friends.
They have a full bar with everything from wine to hard liquor, but their real alcohol menu that shines is their beer. They have tons to choose from AND you can try a traditional German beer recipe (similar to a shandy) of pink grapefruit juice and beer.
Food is pretty simple bar fare/​German fare. Think lots of sausages and french fries and tator tots. They have two different types of mustards that are delicious! Even a Kale salad if you’re feeling healthy.
It was pretty easy to find seating for all six of us at 8 pm, so it’s not insanely crowded.
You can head downstairs to their other bar– which just serves drinks and no food. They had a DJ spinning some light tunes (David Bowie) and the bar tender said they have live music on occasion as well. The creepy murals on the walls are of German fables– which are kinda cool to look at. You can expect your younger– just turned 21-​crowd at this bar.
Service was great. Even the bar tender came to our table!

Good food and drinks. Very cool atmosphere.
My only complaint is that the few Saturdays I have been here the music is incredible loud, and if there is a band playing then its ear drum busting loud (even though they are really good).
Would definitely come back here (but if the band is playing I’m staying in the back patio or the tables near the front exit).

4 friends and I went to this place last night after getting bored at another local bar.
I deduct 1 star because I’m not into regular beer or old man drinks… but ciders and girly-​sweet stuff, which may not be the German way (What do I know?)… and they didn’t have any ]:
however, I feel like there should still be at least 1 cider offered, as it’s coming back in demand.
Anyway, good, chill atmosphere, no annoying-​drunk-​douche-​looking to get laid-​people, like you find at some of the other local bars in Old Town. Had a band in the upstairs bar (which is actually ground level), perfect volume.
The bartenders working were very patient, attentive, and helpful in drink suggestions.
The Doorman working, August… was one of the highlights of all of our nights. Fantastic conversationalist which probably kept us there longer than we had planned [:

Oooh I love the smell of a new building, it truly smells so good inside and this is definitely one of the new places to be! Now I don’t live in the Pasadena area but was in town for work and a friend recommended we try out this spot. My parents are also English so please don’t tell my Mum and Dad I went to a German bar! :).
I arrived before my friend and took a seat at the bar and a great chat with Craig the bar tender. He recommended a great wine and informed me about the different types of cocktails he liked. I had a Riesling wine and eventually the Dark & Stormy Cocktail which was fabulous, I love the craze of the mules right now. He also told me other spots in the area of where I should check out as I wanted to see a few areas in the Pasadena area.
I came here on a Wednesday evening around 8pm, it wasn’t packed but no place in Pasadena was. There were a few groups of girls, guys, couples and overall a good age range. The food menu is very traditional and they have a lot of beers on tap in addition to tasty wines and crafty cocktails!

10 POINTS FOR HUFFLEPUFF!
My first thoughts when I came in here. Super cool atmosphere! Very casual and relaxed vibe. it has space for large groups so bring friends! If you have a small group be prepared to share your table. Don’t be a jerk and spread out, sharing is caring.
We got mixed drinks here cause it was happy hour. I had a pretty good old fashioned, although it was on the sweeter side. I tried the Beiwagon, which was also really good. If you’re looking for something easy to drink, Beiwagon it is!
Other than that, we didn’t stay long so we didn’t get to try any food. Sad day. They did have a decent selection of beer, but not all are tap. The staff were friendly and accommodating. Lots of TV’s here so if you wana watch a game just let them know. They’ll switch the channel for you! Definitely will have to come back here soon!

Good place for groups w/​their large tables and great place for German and some local beers. Customer service from employees and management has been friendly and very welcoming. *Don’t forget their cocktail bar downstairs Thu-​Sun.

Review is for bar only. Came in on a holiday week night and was really happy with the generous space available for my big group to sit and relax with a great selection of beers and cocktails. Originally stopped by blind donkey but it was busy and not conducive to good conversation for a big group. Highly recommend this place if you just want to sit and chill in a casual environment.

Great atmosphere and décor! I came here on a Saturday night and it was still pretty empty around 730pm. The servers were friendly and came to check up on us halfway through our meal.
My friend and I tried the oak smoked beer bratwurst, the cheddar bratwurst, and the sausage plate. The oak smoked good was but the jalapeño was extremely spicy. I really enjoyed the cheddar bratwurst with sauerkraut, grilled onions and beer cheese.
The sausage plate wasn’t as good as I hoped. Some of the sausages were way too burnt for my taste and the ones that weren’t, tasted decent. Overall, great place with good music to drink good beer and chill!

Definitely not Wurstkuche, or even remotely close to it.
I sat down expecting this… wonderful bratwurst. A tender wurst with a fluffy bun, and delicious fries. Instead I got… what felt like hardened chorizo. I was not pleased.
Maybe they do other stuff well? I won’t be making another trek to Pasadena to find out — if my friend wants to have a birthday dinner, I’m gonna insist on cooking it lest I face disappointment again.

Snap Crackle and Pop!
This sausage has flavor and some kick to it!
Parking can be difficult but it’s worth a short walk. This is not so much a restaurant as it is a bar. It is reminiscent of the old German restaurants that used to be around. There are a few individual tables but most of the seating is family style benches. A large bar is at the enteance and it is well stocked with beer and booze. Several flat screens.
~The Menu-​4 Stars
Simple and easy! Bratwurst, Tater tots, Krawt and booze. I jad a pretty good meal here. The bar and eating area are perfect for celebrating with friends and family.
Customer Service is 5 Stars!
As I learn from the great ones, I did as Napoleon Dynamite would do and shoved tator tots in each of my pockets so I can eat them on the ride home.
Overall, I am a fan.

This place is great. Service was fantastic and we were helped by multiple staff members all making sure we had what we needed.
Beer selection is great. I described to our server what i like, she recommended something and it was spot on !
Walk in and look at whiskey selection (that is for my return visit).
Wolfstyle tater tots are worth every last calorie great appetizer and side dish.
Chicken and hatch chili sausage sandwich is great if you like wonderful flavor and a little spicy.
Chicken schnitzel sandwich was great also. Good amount of meat and the lemon aioli was perfect with just a hint of lemony goodness and not overbearing.
Bavarian nuremberg is a great twist sandwich with a couple of flavors
Load up on the toppings dont be afraid and the servers are spot in and phenomenal at their suggestions.
Can’t wait to go back. So looking forward to it.

Beer, sausages and sandwiches. Some folks might be a little confused as the system is to grab a table and then order at the bar. Not a problem for me, I was only there for a quick beer (very tasty), a little bit of sports on the television (annoying Mets fan next to me) and then on to eat elsewhere. I wanted something a bit more substantial for dinner.
Nice spot to hang out with friends and knock back a few!

I really hope these guys make it because this spot has had so many companies move in and out over the past few years, it’s a little concerning but here they are, and I wish you luck!
I had the Woolfstyle Shoestring and the Bavarian Nuremberg and both were great. Absolutely nothing wrong with them. Washed it down with a light belgium beer and I was done. I like the décor and I hope to see what’s downstairs next time!

Solid 4!
I knew I was in for something great when I saw a l guy drinking beer from what looked like a Sparklets Water bottle sized mug.
He was on his 3^rd litter of beer, btw.
Back to Wolfskopf:
— Great beer
— Dismal wine selection
— Über comfortable seating.. You will actually be able to hear the person across from you.
— I specially liked their Cheddar Bratwurst and their Lobo Chicken Sausage
They provide ample seating inside and out. They have an area downstairs for sipping brandy.
Our waitress was very knowledgeable and stopped by frequently.
TGOE Protip: Start with their sasage appetizer plate. it will give you a good sampling.
The Riese of Ecuador

Dark wood paneled walls with slighter lighter tables with a traditonal blue argyle octoberfest pattern, half room long tables that seat 6 – 8, while the other half tables for 4. Not withstanding the bar upon entry. It’s German all the way, and my heritage lives strong and true here. Ein bier und ein shot… down the hatch. With rock Americana at a medium level, this has got drink and sausage written all over it.
It’s more modern than the typical German barmaid, that would be horrible (not) anyway, and no Oom Pah Pah. Bar service, which is good, because you can check yourself after each beer. How am I doing? Still walking straight or how did I end up on the floor by the wall?
I got a grapefruit beer to start: deliciously smooth, low alcohol (2.7%) and very soda tasting. The bartender said he drinks it all day. I moved on to one of my faves, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, and was ultra happy.
1. Wolfstyle Tator Tots — beer cheese, pickled peppers, caramelized onions, bacon & chives. Looks amazing, but I was underwhelmed with the flavors that did not exactly go together ($ 10.00, 4.0 stars).
2. Hot Polish Kielbasa: spicy pork & beef sausage smoked w/​peppers & garlic. Good quality but very plain, wouldn’t order again. ($ 8.00, 3.5 stars).
3. The Wolf Burger: ground beef patty, black forest ham, lettuce, swiss cheese, toasted bell peppers & sauted onions. Wow. Different and really good. Top 25 burger on the «Berger knows: Burgers» list, and great price to boot ($ 10.00, 4.5 stars).
At 430pm, the ambiance while cool, was quiet…4 people tops. By 8pm, it was jam packed, and special bar opens up downstairs. I like, I really do.

German food with a twist? You had me sold at smothered tater tots. We came here after attending ScareLA nearby and wanted a hearty meal to finish off our day. Katie B recommended this place and since it was within walking distance; so we traveled by foot from the Pasadena Convention Center to this nice little eatery.
If you’re hanging around Colorado St., then this is a great alternative to all the chainy action going on down there. The restaurant offers your typical German fare like bratwursts and sausages, but then has gut bombs like the Wolf Burger and Wolf Style tater tots. We ordered both of those, stuffed our faces and had no regrets.
Our meal:
— Wolf Style tater tots: You can get these with fries, tots or a combo of the two. We went strictly tots and the the bartender reassured us that was the way to go since they held the toppings best. They didn’t disappoint with their gooey beer cheese, pickled peppers, caramelized onions, bacon and chives. Again, not a diet food and you’re stomach better be prepared for the greasy goodness it’s about to take in.
— Wolf Burger: We ordered ours medium and enjoyed it a lot. Besides the beef patty, it came loaded with Black Forest ham, lettuce, Swiss cheese, bell peppers and then covered with sauteed onions. It’s a rich burger and very messy. I was ready to throw in the towel after a few bites since the tots were already taking up most of the room in my stomach. The meat was a great balance of pink, and I appreciated that it wasn’t overcooked.
— Bavarian Nuremburg: If it’s on the menu, I’m going to order it. This was my favorite thing to eat while in Germany, and if a restaurant can do it right, it definitely takes me back to my happy place. This did not disappoint! The sausage came with your choice of topping and we went with sauerkraut. The pickled veggie wasn’t overpowering and we smothered it with ketchup and mustard for extra flavor. They also had a house sauce that was sort of like a horseradish aioli — I felt it in my nose, but I liked it.
— Schofferhofer Grapefruit Radler: I love the mixture of juice and beer — especially if it’s the tart nectar of a grapefruit. This was my first time having this version and I liked it so much, I ordered two. It has a light alcohol content so you can drink multiples without getting sloshed, but it’s a nice pairing to your food with a little bit of a beer bite to it. We even found ourselves at BevMo afterwards to pick up a six pack for later consumption at home.
Service is great, but you have to order through the bar. It was a little chaotic since the bartenders are trying to sling drinks while taking requests — so be prepared to wait a bit if it’s busy. Since they have a good amount of seating, I don’t know why they don’t have at least one dedicated server taking care of that section. I think it would streamline the process so that there aren’t a lot of people crowding around one area.
Parking is available on the street or nearby lots, and the place even has a decent amount of patio seating if you want to take in the beautiful weather.
This is one of my new favorite restaurants in Pasadena and I’ll for sure be back soon!

My boyfriend and I are huge fans of Red Lion in Silverlake and when I read in a local magazine that Der Wolfskopf was opening in Pasadena, I was super stoked to check it out and see how the two compare! We decided to stop by after a movie at the Arclight around 6pm on a Friday. It was practically empty… I’m hoping it was quiet because it was the day before July 4^th. Anyway, we sat ourselves and saw signs everywhere telling guests to order at the bar. To our surprise, the server came over and said she would take care of us. The service was great.
I ordered a glass of German Reisling and my boyfriend ordered the Krombacher Pilsner. They were both great! For food, we decided on a couple appetizers since neither of us were super hungry so we ordered the Small Sausage Plate and the Potato Pancake (with the garlic & herb beer cheese). To our surprise, the portions were very generous– 3 potato pancakes (which were very dense) and 3 different types of sausage. The sausage plate was accompanied by pickled beets and a couple different type of cheese cubes. We couldn’t even finish all of it and it made for great leftovers for breakfast the next morning! :)
In end, I can’t really compare this place to Red Lion, since I didn’t try any of the sausages. It definitely doesn’t have the same German feel to it as the Red Lion seems way more authentic. However, the food and drink was great and I will definitely come back to try the entrees!
PS– there is a biergarten in the back of the restaurant, however, we didn’t have the chance to venture out there. Will definitely check it out next time!

What an awesome find! Celebrated a friend’s birthday here the other day and had a great time. The giant beer steins were an excellent touch, but the best part was all the games that were available (battleship, operation, etc.). It’s slightly off the traditional Old Town Pasadena path which provides a different crowd. Will definitely be coming back to hang out some more.
GET THE TATER TOTS!!! They are cooked to crispy perfection and are sinfully wonderful!